Boston's $135M White Stadium Rebuild Costs Kept from Taxpayers

Records show mayor delayed revealing final price tag had nearly tripled from initial estimates.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Newly released public records show the cost for Boston's White Stadium rebuild has nearly tripled to $135 million, but the mayor apparently hid this fact from taxpayers for at least a month. The city's contract with the construction company and a building permit reveal the final taxpayer-funded price tag, which is tens of thousands of dollars more than what was announced by the mayor in February.

Why it matters

The White Stadium project has been a source of controversy, with critics raising concerns over the ballooning costs for taxpayers and the overall public-private deal. The revelation that the mayor delayed informing the public about the significantly higher costs further erodes trust in the city's handling of the project.

The details

The building permit lists the 'declared value' of the planned construction at $134.14 million, with over $1.34 million in fees. The city's contract with BOND Building Construction shows the final taxpayer costs are $135,035,515. This includes $79.1 million for building, $24.3 million for site work, and $31.58 million in allowances and contingencies. The mayor's office says the higher costs reflect community feedback and an effort to 'do it right', but critics have described the plan as a 'giveaway' to wealthy investors.

  • The building permit was issued on January 8, 2026.
  • The contract was submitted by BOND on January 21, 2026 and revised on February 4, 2026.
  • The mayor announced the final $135 million cost at a press conference on February 6, 2026.

The players

Michelle Wu

The mayor of Boston who apparently hid the final $135 million cost of the White Stadium rebuild from taxpayers for at least a month.

BOND Building Construction

The construction company that was awarded the contract for the taxpayer-funded portion of the White Stadium rebuild project.

Boston Legacy FC

The new National Women's Soccer League team that is contributing over $190 million towards the overall $325 million stadium project.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We heard from over 100 public meetings and conversations, what people's needs and dreams and hopes were, and we decided to expand the project, to do it right.”

— Michelle Wu, Mayor (Radio interview)

“Our Boston kids deserve nothing but the best.”

— Michelle Wu, Mayor (Radio interview)

What’s next

The community lawsuit challenging the public-private deal for the White Stadium rebuild is set to be heard by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court later this year.

The takeaway

The revelation that the mayor delayed informing the public about the significantly higher costs for the White Stadium rebuild project further erodes trust in the city's handling of the controversial public-private deal. This raises questions about transparency and accountability in how taxpayer funds are being spent on major infrastructure projects.